TCS On Foreign Remittance For Payments & Sending Money Abroad From India

Are you struggling to understand advanced tax systems such as TCS? Taxes in India can get complex, especially if it is related to foreign investments or foreign travel. As the top GST consultant in Gurgaon, we are here to guide you on tax on foreign remittance in IndiaKeep reading this blog to learn about TCS for foreign remittance:

TCS On Foreign Remittances: What You Need to Know About For India: Blog Poster

Understanding TCS on Foreign Remittances

Tax Collected at Source (TCS) is the tax that is collected by sellers on selected goods and services. TCS was implemented by the Indian government to prevent tax evasion and is a vital concept for both income payers and receivers in the country.  

In the year 2023, the finance minister of India Nirmala Sitharam announced that TCS will increase to 20% from 5% of the transaction account. This was implemented under the "Amrit Kaal" Budget 2023 and came into effect on 1st October 2023 for cross border transactions

Man looking at a map with magnifying glass for global finances and transactions

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Tax Implications on Foreign Remittances

If you will be sending money abroad from India, take note of how the new TCS is applicable in the following areas:

  • Tour packages of Foreign Trips
  • Online Shopping on a Non-Indian Website
  • Investing in a foreign instrument or asset
  • Sending gifts or providing loans to relatives living abroad
  • Purchasing stocks from foreign companies
  • Buying property abroad
  • Immigrants remitting funds to their bank account abroad
cross border transaction illustration

How TCS Affects Your Foreign Remittance Transactions

This table illustrates the present rates of tax on foreign remittance:

Table of TCS Rates

Recent Changes in TCS Regulations for Foreign Remittances

Before the "Amrit Kaal" Budget 2023, increased TCS rates on foreign outward remittance under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme was 5% for remittances more than Rs 7 Lakhs. From 1st October 2023, new changes were introduced in TCS on remittances. 

Nirmala Sitharam, the finance minister of India announced 5% TCS rates on remittances for education purposes and other purposes. Meanwhile, for tour packages abroad, 5% TCS rates are applicable below 7 lakh rupees and if it exceeds this amount, then the TCS rate will increase to 20%.

Map of the world with money and magnifying glass

Read Also: Cross-Border Transactions And Tax Controversies in India

Common Mistakes to Avoid 

It is difficult to understand the structure of TDS and TCS, however, you can avoid some common mistakes from this checklist:

  • Learn About TCS Applicability: Learn about what kind of transactions attract TCS and to know how you can avoid them.
  • Do not exceed Rs 7 lakhs on foreign remittances: Foreign remittances up to Rs.7 lakhs do not charge any TCS rates, apart from foreign tour packages where 5% TCS deducted on the amount below 7 lakhs.
  • Remember To Claim TCS: You can claim for a refund if an excess amount of tax has been deducted from your account. Ensure you have proper documentation such as a TCS certificate to claim the TCS.
  • Reduce Tax Liability in ITR: You can adjust income tax liability when filing ITR on the income tax e-filing portal. Consult with an expert tax consultant in Gurgaon to understand the process.
  • Use Aadhar/PAN Card: For every transaction where TCS is applicable, ensure to provide details of your Aadhar or PAN card for tax reporting.
  • Check With RBI Guidelines: It is important to be aware of the latest rules and guidelines on LRS. To get a detailed overview, check with the Reserve Bank of India or consult experts from chartered accountant firms in Gurgaon

Read More: Global Business Expansion for Indian Businesses: Complete Guide

TCS and Foreign Remittances: Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common queries on TCS on Foreign Remittances. If you have further questions on TCS or FEMA Compliance, reach out to our experts today!

What is TCS on Foreign Remittances?

TCS on foreign remittances refers to the tax collected at source on money transferred outside India. Under the Income Tax Act, the TCS rate on such transactions is applicable to individuals sending money abroad for various purposes, including education and investment. The Income Tax Department mandates that financial institutions collect this tax at the time of the transaction, which is then deposited to the government.

What is the TCS rate on foreign remittances?

The TCS rate on foreign remittances has been recently revised. As of 2023, the tax collected at source (TCS) on outward remittance is typically 5% for amounts exceeding ₹7 lakh in a financial year. However, for remittances related to foreign education or medical treatment, the TCS is applicable at a lower rate. It is essential to check with the income tax department for any updates regarding tax rates and thresholds for TCS.

What are the implications of TCS on foreign remittances?

TCS, or Tax Collected at Source, applies to outward remittance transactions that exceed a certain threshold limit. Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), if the aggregate of remittances in a financial year exceeds 7 lakh INR, a TCS rate of 5% is applicable on the amount exceeding that threshold. This means that individuals sending money for purposes such as foreign education or investments may see additional tax liabilities.

What is the threshold limit for TCS on foreign remittances?

The threshold limit for TCS applicability on foreign remittances is currently set at 7 lakh INR in a financial year. If your total remittances exceed this amount, the TCS amount will be calculated at the applicable rate. For remittances below this limit, TCS is not applicable.

How can I avoid TCS on foreign remittances?

To avoid TCS, individuals can ensure that their total remittances do not exceed the threshold for TCS. Additionally, certain payments may be exempt from TCS, such as those made for foreign education or medical expenses. It’s essential to keep track of your remittance amounts throughout the financial year to manage your tax liabilities effectively.

Can I claim TCS while filing my income tax return?

Yes, you can claim the TCS collected while filing your income tax return. It is important to report the TCS amount in the appropriate section of your tax return forms. This will help reduce your overall tax liability when filing your returns, as the TCS deducted can be adjusted against your total tax payable.

Conclusion

TCS collected on foreign remittances can appear complex, however, it becomes easier to navigate with expert guidance. It is important to always be aware of the complex tax rules in the country to stay compliant with regulations and avoid unnecessary penalties. 

Facing Issues With TCS On Foreign Remittances?

Reach out to our expert chartered accountants at DSRV India, where we will personally guide you through every step of the process.

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